Stay lean, live longer
For the past few years, the "obesity paradox" has been getting a lot of attention. It began when several studies suggested that people who packed on the pounds with age lived longer than those who stayed thin. But the research didn't properly account for factors such as cigarette smoking or an underlying serious illness that can trigger weight loss and contribute to an early demise.
Heart LetterThe study wasn't perfect. It was based on white Americans, so the results may not apply to African Americans, Hispanics, or other ethnic groups. Still, at a time when 68% of Americans are overweight or obese, this study provides a reminder that it's important to keep your weight within the healthy range, or work to move it in that direction, to protect your heart and live longer.
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